Clifton started acting in commercials at the age of 16. His early roles included appearances on shows such as Roswell, Undressed, and Judging Amy.

He is best known for playing Dillon Quartermaine in General Hospital (2003-2007), Schuyler Joplin in One Life to Live (2009-2010), and Liam Spencer in The Bold and the Beautiful (2010–present). His role in B&B earned him three Daytime Emmy Awards in 2011, 2013, and 2017.

In an initial bid to launch his musical career, he uploaded several songs to the internet, and later compiled these songs among previously unpublished material on his first EP album, Untitled.[2] He later released a second EP, Unbeautiful, as well as two full-length albums, So Much for the Nightlife and Mannequin. Each was produced by Jeff Pescetto.[citation needed]

Clifton's fifth and final nomination for the award in 2011 ended with award success for his portrayal of Liam Cooper in The Bold and The Beautiful.[8] Accepting the award, Clifton thanked on stage Bradley Bell, executive producer of the show; the writers, directors, and producers of the series; and co-star Don Diamont.[9]